Defender George Edmundson admitted Saturday’s game against Sheffield United was a massive learning curve in his career as a professional footballer.
The 19-year-old came on at half time to replace the injured Brian Wilson and admitted Saturday’s game was a huge learning curve.
"I got thrown in at the deep end but it was good to get the point in the end. I will learn from the experience definitely.”
Edmundson came through the club’s youth system managed by Tony Philliskirk. “Tony does a really good job and gets everyone ready for the first team environment,” he admitted.
"He tells us when we need to be told so it replicates John Sheridan. There is a step up and I have just got to keep working hard every day and keep going to try and get into the first team.”
Speaking about Edmundson’s development as a player, youth team boss Philliskirk said: "It’s really important that everyone, not just the players, but the staff, see that theres a route for development, there always has been here at Oldham Athletic.
“Lads who were training with George [Edmundson] last year are now seeing him stepping out onto the first team pitch and playing in such a big game against big players like James Hanson and Billy Sharp it’s fantastic.
“Actions speak louder than words a lot of the time. It’s amazing the impact that has, to see one of their own stepping out onto the first team pitch.
“We can talk about that until the cows come home but when they see it. It makes them realise ‘yeah, it’s a reality if we do well and train well when we go with the first team’.
“John Sheridan has a record of giving young players the opportunity, so I think it was fantastic to see that, as well as Kallum Mantack on the bench.”
To watch the full interview with George Edmundson, please visit Latics PlayerHD.